Byron Leftwich out with ankle surgery

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga., Oct. 24 (UPI) -- The Atlanta Falcons announced Wednesday that quarterback Byron Leftwich had undergone ankle surgery and would miss three to four weeks.

"He had a procedure done this morning that is a very aggressive procedure," Coach Bobby Petrino said. "They actually go in and put a couple screws in there and it helps it heal faster. A lot of hockey players are doing it now. It's supposed to increase the healing and hopefully he'll be back in three to four weeks. He says two, but the doctors say three to four."

Leftwich injured his right ankle last Sunday in a loss to New Orleans. The setback came in his first start for the team. He threw for 145 yards and a touchdown before leaving the contest.